DANCING With the Stars has possible big changes coming up, including replacing Tyra Banks with a new host.
A source close to executive producers of DWTS has exclusively told The U.S. Sun they’re looking at an overhaul in the new year with staff urging for “a new host, new judges and bigger name contestants.”
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The insider claims the senior production staff is most concerned about bringing in viewers and they think a casting facelift could do just the trick.
Producers have confided in the source claiming the show “needs to be more adventurous, original and feature fresh faces.”
The source claims many show producers feel this shift could kick off by giving Tyra, 48, the boot.
The insider says tension has been growing with the famous modl and many co-stars are shocked she is still host, especially with all of the social media backlash against her.
According to the source, DWTS producers feel “Tyra has had struggles warming up to the team, contestants and certainly the audience.
“There seems to be a disconnect again with viewers which always raises concerns.”
The insider continued: “We still get emails and comments about her performance and it is upsetting.
“The team works extraordinarily hard to deliver the best series every year, but the main focus of fans’ upset is the host.”
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Over the past two seasons, Tyra has received a slew of backlash about her performance, her wild outfits, and a few major on-air mistakes, including messing up a call card on an elimination round.
‘UPSETTING’
“There are also concerns that she has not been out and about promoting the show as much as we’d like,” the source continued.
“Other hosts do a wealth of interviews and promotion for their shows, but she has not been out at all in the public eye.
“It is upsetting. If she did not have her executive producer role, some of us believe she would have already departed.”
NEW MOVES
However, it’s not just Tyra- who co-hosted this past season with Alfonso Ribeiro– the show is looking to replace.
The insider shared: “The whole show is being reassessed from top to bottom, including whether there is a switch back to ABC, the judges and the status of contestants.
“There is that desire for us to land bigger named stars, even an Oscar winner, to really increase our visibility.”
All of the fuss is stemming from a concern that viewer statistics have plummeted since the show’s big switch from ABC to Disney+.
BACK TO ABC?
DWTS viewers were furious after the long-running competition show made the shocking switch from network TV to the streaming site ahead of season 31 this fall.
Another source explained the tensions behind the decision to change networks to The U.S. Sun.
The source divulged: “At first, the Disney+ move was a success and everyone was happy, but no one talked about real ratings or how well the show was doing.
“Truthfully, there was a fear among some of the team that ABC viewers didn’t come across.
“Fans still love the show, but haven’t moved over as they have a traditional mindset, so already hopes have been raised about a switch back to ABC.”
“ABC did feel like home and there is a desire to get back home,” the insider shared.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to DWTS and Tyra’s reps for comment.
IN THE HOT SEAT
The Disney+ versus ABC debate isn’t the only big change-up in the air for season 32.
DWTS judge Len Goodman, 78, devastated his loyal audience when he announced he is retiring after 31 seasons.
Two DWTS pros were quick to throw their name in the hat for a promotion and to fill Len’s empty seat.
Cheryl Burke, 38, and Gleb Savchenko, 39, both wanted in on the coveted spot.
The U.S. Sun previously reported Cheryl had thrown down an ultimatum saying she gets the judge’s seat or she’s quitting the show – but her offer wasn’t on the table for long.
Fans assumed Cheryl wasn’t offered to fill Len’s spot as she posted on her Instagram Sunday announcing Monday would be her final dance on the show she’d been on for 26 seasons.
However, Gleb wants to be considered for the promotion as well.
The dancer exclusively told The U.S. Sun: “Listen, I’d love to, at some point, step into Len’s shoes and get in his seat, and at least for a couple of weeks, give me a shot.
“And I think DWTS should give each pro a shot and make it fun. Each pro goes and judges one of the episodes – that would be fun.”
Although Cheryl dropped out of the show, Gleb said he’s still down to stick around.
“I definitely have a couple more seasons, couple more years – maybe five years more in me to do this,” he teased.
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